The URL in question (mind you this is for safety concerns only - emissions
is a whole different story)
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
I have spoken with a few Registered Importers - there seems to be no way to
get an MGF into the country - unless it is to be strictly used for racing
(go to the Lotus of North America site http://lotuscars.com/Elise_Frame.htm
and you'll see that they are now importing Elises for this purpose - at
frightening cost)
As a generalization, you can import any car over 25 years old, or any car
where that body style and year of manufacture have been deemed crash-worthy
by our big brother.
Phil Vanner
Mk1 Midget
-----Original Message-----
From: Leckstein [SMTP:bleckstein@mail.monmouth.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 5:47 AM
To: Phil Raby; MG digest submit; vansyck@hq.1perscom.heidelberg.army.mil
Subject: RE: New MGF For Sale in USA? Can I buy two?
At 10:47 AM 9/15/98 +0100, Phil Raby wrote:
>On 15/9/98 9:05 am mgs-owner@autox.team.net said
>
>>I have said this before but, no one ever answered.
>>U.S., but have been unsuccessful. I can't get an intelligent answer from
>
>
>I've also been unable to determine whether or not an MGF would be legal
>in the US. If the car's LHD, surely the headlamps would be correct? A MPH
>speedo would be easy enogh to get from the UK.
>
>Does a personal import to the USA need type approval?? Surely not,
>otherwise people would not be able to take in older MGs?
>Cheers,
>
>Philip Raby
Phil, I thought this has been answered before, You can not import an MGF
for personal use if you are a U.S. resident, working here. ( I know of one
brought in on a temp basis by someone using special plates from NATO) It
isn't a matter of a speedo. There are a list of DOT requirements and I
believe that unlike in the 1980's where a private company could make these
changes (gray market) it must now be done by the manufacturer. The
emission equipment must have a long guarantee with it , and the
manufacturer will not guarantee cars it did not import.Thus the
manufacturer controls what can be imported.
Older cars are exempt. Any pre 1967 needs no certification, later years to
a point can be upgraded. Newer cars from the 90's can't. I imported a 53 YB
with no requirements.
The specifications for import are extremely complicated and someone not too
long ago posted a web site on it. Nonetheless this is the basic reasons.
Mike
Older MG
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